Routes & Operators
Washington State Ferries named a national maritime training centre
Washington State Ferries says the U.S. Maritime Administration has named it a 2026 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. Since 2022 the system has hired and trained 324 ordinary seafarers, 140 wipers and oilers, and 345 terminal attendants. It reports a 93% employee retention rate and a 98.9% training completion rate.
Source: Washington State Ferries (opens in a new tab)
The 29 October 2026 weekly update from Steve Nevey, head of Washington State Ferries, says the system has been named a 2026 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.
Since 2022, Washington State Ferries has hired and trained 324 ordinary seafarers, 140 wipers and oilers, and 345 terminal attendants. The update names the Able-bodied Sailor to Mate programme, the WSF/MITAGS Apprenticeship, and the engine room internship among programmes to help staff advance. It reports a 93% employee retention rate and a 98.9% training completion rate.